Mangaluru: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is reportedly examining a proposal to construct three new flyovers at Kottara Chowki, Kuloor and Surathkal on the busy Mangaluru–Goa National Highway (NH-66) to decongest the growing traffic in and around the coastal city. The move comes amid mounting pressure from local representatives and commuters as traffic volume continues to increase on the national highway.

MLA Y Bharath Shetty pushes for flyover expansion

Mangaluru North MLA Y Bharath Shetty said he had formally submitted a proposal to the Union ministry seeking approvals for the additional flyovers at key junctions within the city limits. “The existing flyovers at Kottara Chowki, Kulur and Surathkal allow only one-way traffic movement. These are critical points on the highway, and without two-way connectivity, congestion builds up quickly,” Shetty said.

The MLA noted that the present infrastructure forces all vehicles, including heavy commercial vehicles, to use the same city roads in one direction, creating major bottlenecks during peak hours. “Given the rise in vehicular density and urban expansion, the additional flyovers are essential to improve connectivity and reduce travel time,” he added.

Support from MP Brijesh Chowta

Backing the proposal, Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has also raised the issue with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. The plan, officials confirmed, is currently in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage, being reviewed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

“NHAI will conduct a feasibility study to assess the technical and financial viability of the proposed flyovers. Based on the DPR, funds will be allocated for construction,” Shetty said. He further stated that he and the MP would jointly meet the Union minister to expedite the approval and ensure the DPR is finalised at the earliest.

Current traffic challenges on NH-66

The existing flyover at Kottara Chowki currently handles one-way traffic towards Goa, while the flyovers at Kulur and Surathkal cater to vehicles moving towards Mangaluru. This limited one-way system, according to local authorities, has resulted in heavy congestion, especially during office hours and weekends when long-distance and local traffic overlap.

With NH-66 serving as the arterial route connecting Mangaluru to Goa, Mumbai and Kerala, the highway witnesses thousands of passenger and freight vehicles daily. The lack of two-way flyovers and service roads at key intersections has also led to frequent traffic snarls and delays, particularly near educational institutions, industrial zones, and residential areas along the route.

Ministry’s broader focus on NH-66 upgrades

The Union government has prioritised upgrades to NH-66 under its ongoing Bharatmala project, which aims to enhance connectivity along the western coast. In Dakshina Kannada district alone, multiple widening and improvement works have been undertaken over the past few years to improve road safety and reduce travel time.

Officials said the proposed flyovers at Kottara Chowki, Kuloor and Surathkal would complement these existing projects by eliminating key choke points within the Mangaluru city stretch of the highway. Once approved, the DPR will outline structural designs, estimated costs, and timelines for tendering and execution.

Local residents welcome proposal

Residents and regular commuters along NH-66 have welcomed the proposal, noting that the current one-way system causes inconvenience and safety risks. “It often takes 20–25 minutes just to cross the Kottara Chowki stretch during rush hours,” said a daily commuter. “Two-way flyovers would make a big difference in managing the traffic flow.”

Conclusion

With vehicular movement on the Mangaluru–Goa NH-66 corridor continuing to rise, the proposed flyovers at Kottara Chowki, Kuloor and Surathkal are expected to play a crucial role in improving urban mobility and reducing congestion. The final decision now rests with the Union ministry and the outcome of the NHAI feasibility study, which will determine the timeline for the long-awaited infrastructure upgrade.